01 Aug Round Up: Emerging Artist Series Brings Local Talent to Big Sky’s Music in the Mountains

Big Sky’s Music in the Mountains free concert series brings nationally touring artists to southwest Montana each summer. Now, because of critical support from a local foundation, music fans can see more of Montana’s best up-and-coming bands as the series continues through September.

The nonprofit Arts Council of Big Sky has presented the outdoor concerts — held in Len Hill Park on Thursdays from June to September — for more than 15 years. In 2022, the organization added opening bands to complement the headliners each week to enhance the event and support Montana musicians: more than 30 have performed at Music in the Mountains since the Emerging Artist Series began.

The program is funded, in part, by a grant from the Big Sky-based Spanish Peaks Community Foundation, which allows the Arts Council to pay the opening groups a proper fee for the hour-long set. It adds up to a collaborative effort between two nonprofit community groups. “We continue to support the Emerging Artist Series because it supports local musicians and adds to a summer tradition: Music in the Mountains,” says Hannah Waterbury, executive director of the Spanish Peaks Community Foundation. “It brings our entire community together every Thursday.” 

Music in the Mountains draws about 3,000 people to Big Sky each week and has been voted Big Sky’s Best Annual Event by readers of Explore Big Sky newspaper several times over the years. The series has featured many bands that have gone on to play at the biggest venues in the country — some have even won Grammy Awards — making it an incubator for artists. “Having these artists open for bigger bands has made the series even more popular,” says Tamara Knappenberger, events coordinator for the Arts Council. “It gives Montana musicians great recognition in front of a supportive crowd and allows them to boost their credentials while trying to make it in the music industry. It’s a really exciting opportunity for them.”

Kalispell musician Mike Murray opened for Portland rockers TK and the Holy Know-Nothings in 2023, performing as a duo. He was invited back this summer to showcase his full band on the series opening night in June. “While I’m grateful for any gig, inevitably, some stand out as special, memorable, and even transcendent,” Murray says. “This has been the case with the two times I’ve had the privilege to perform at Music in the Mountains as part of their Emerging Artist Series. The hospitality of the Arts Council of Big Sky, combined with the stunning mountainous setting, great crowds, beautiful stage, and the opportunity to support national touring bands, all add up to the type of performance opportunity you can really only dream up.”

Visit bigskyarts.org to learn more.